Rotten Tomatoes Logo Do you want to see ‘Antwone Fisher’?

Antwone Fisher (2002)

tomatometer

79

Average Rating: 6.9/10
Reviews Counted: 146
Fresh: 115 | Rotten: 31

Washington's directing debut is a solidly crafted, emotionally touching work.

85

Average Rating: 7.1/10
Critic Reviews: 33
Fresh: 28 | Rotten: 5

Washington's directing debut is a solidly crafted, emotionally touching work.

audience

85

liked it
Average Rating: 3.6/5
User Ratings: 45,345

My Rating

Movie Info

The directorial debut of Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington, Antwone Fisher is an autobiographical drama written by the real-life Antwone Fisher. Played by newcomer Derek Luke, Antwone is a volatile young sailor in the Navy, getting into trouble for his constant fighting. When he gets appointed to see naval psychiatrist Dr. Jerome Davenport (Denzel Washington), he begins to reveal the emotional problems behind his rage. Through an introduction to anger management, Antwone is able to

PG-13, 2 hr.

Drama

Antwone Fisher

May 20, 2003

$20.8M

Fox Searchlight Pictures

Cast

All Critics (162) | Top Critics (34) | Fresh (117) | Rotten (31) | DVD (26)

A fine film that proves the past is never too bleak -- or the future too hopeless -- to discover a productive new life, and a home and family to share it.

January 16, 2003 Comment
New York Observer
Top Critic IconTop Critic

A riveting story well told.

December 27, 2002 Comment
Washington Post
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Denzel Washington gives a sensitive yet powerful performance as a Navy psychiatrist, and newcomer Derek Luke is a pleasant surprise as the title character.

December 27, 2002 Comment
Arizona Republic
Top Critic IconTop Critic

For sure, Antwone Fisher is corny. But it's corny in a way that a Hollywood movie about a boy who just wants to go home ought to be corny.

December 26, 2002 Full Review Source: Boston Globe | Comment
Boston Globe
Top Critic IconTop Critic

The level of acting elevates the material above pat inspirational status and gives it a sturdiness and solidity that we've long associated with Washington the actor.

December 25, 2002 Full Review Source: Sacramento Bee | Comment
Sacramento Bee
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Watchful, flinty, unexpectedly vulnerable -- and so cathartic it could wring tears from a stone.

December 25, 2002 Comment
Philadelphia Inquirer
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Devastating story of abuse based on real life.

December 21, 2010 Full Review Source: Common Sense Media | Comment
Common Sense Media

Rings false, belittling instead of honoring its sensitive subject with its twinkly score, kid-glove nobility and cloying payoffs. [Blu-ray]

February 1, 2009 Full Review Source: Groucho Reviews | Comment (1)

It is to Washington's credit that he keeps it just real enough to move our hearts and our heads.

December 6, 2004 Full Review Source: Looking Closer | Comment
Looking Closer

Sails the same route as dozens of Hollywood psychiatry dramas...Its power lies in the rich themes and performances.

June 18, 2004 Full Review Source: Boulder Weekly | Comment

The most remarkable thing about Antwone Fisher is the real-life story on which it is based.

January 6, 2004 Full Review Source: Star-Democrat (Easton, MD) | Comment
Star-Democrat (Easton, MD)

Yes, Antwone Fisher is a good movie, in the way that lima beans are good food. You may leave the theater feeling fortified, but you'll have a bad taste in your mouth.

September 6, 2003 Comment

Soupy and sentimental, but with an underlying belief in itself that keeps the rhythm constant and just about manages to reach the gut.

July 6, 2003 Comment
More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for Antwone Fisher

Strong acting and terrific story, based on the real-life experiences of former U.S. navy man Antwone Fisher. Before I saw this, I had no idea that Denzel Washington had done some work behind camera. What I can say now though, is that he ought to do it more often. For his directing in this feature is quite phenomenal,

May 3, 2007
CloudStrife84
Mike S

Super Reviewer

A remarkable tale based on a true story, I was gripped from start to finish. Derek Luke, I thought played a fantastic part and it was a good performance from Denzel too, who also Directed the film. An emotional account of how someone's present circumstances are a result of their past, facing your fears and forgiving

October 19, 2006
76Majikat

Super Reviewer

Antwone Fisher Quotes

No quotes approved yet for Antwone Fisher. Logged in users can submit quotes.

Latest News for Antwone Fisher

November 21, 2006:
Critical Consensus: "Halls" Spreads Little Cheer; "Déjà Vu" Intrigues; "The Fountain" Overflows; "Pick" Is Mixed
This week at the movies, we've got holiday mischief ("Deck the Halls," starring Matthew...

March 23, 2006:
Critical Consensus: "Inside Man" is Certified Fresh, Second Best-Reviewed Wide Release Of
Tension: it's the key to many a film, and this week's wide releases bring three variants on that...

What's Hot On RT

Luis Guzman
Luis Guzman

What are his 10 best movies ever?

<em>Amazing Spider-Man</em>
Amazing Spider-Man

See the all-new action-packed trailer!

The Avengers!
The Avengers!

Five new Marvelous pictures

Total Recall
Total Recall

Unconventional Superheroes

Top Movie Quizzes

LEGO Mania: 2011 Best Picture Nominees
by natalie - 18,541 taken
created 12 months ago
How Much Do You Know About Leonardo DiCaprio?
by natalie - 44,370 taken
created 15 months ago
Pixar Movies!
by jdikwlzviv - 27,119 taken
created 15 months ago
The Wizards of Harry Potter
by jdikwlzviv - 27,623 taken
created 15 months ago
Help | About | Jobs | Newsletter | Critics Submission | API | Licensing | Blog | Developers | Mobile